Wireless communication system

ABSTRACT

In response to a vehicle being switched from an IGN OFF state (non-operating state) to an IGN ON state (operating state) in a state in which a mobile terminal has been activated, the use of wireless communication (Wi-Fi communication) by the mobile terminal via a network using an in-vehicle device as a base station can be started. In response to the vehicle being switched from the IGN ON state (operating state) to the IGN OFF state (non-operating state) in the state in which the mobile terminal has been activated, the use of wireless communication (Wi-Fi communication) by the mobile terminal via the network using the in-vehicle device as the base station is stopped.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of Japan application serialno. 2022-012441, filed on Jan. 28, 2022, which claims the prioritybenefit of Japan Application No. 2021-046956, filed on Mar. 22, 2021.The entirety of each of the above-mentioned patent applications ishereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of thisspecification.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a wireless communication system.

Related Art

A technical method has been proposed in which, in which, in a wirelesscommunication system that can be used only when there is a subscriber ina vehicle, if the subscriber is not authenticated within a predeterminedtime, wireless communication is disconnected according to a timer time(see, for example, Patent Document 1).

A technical method has been proposed in which, when a user connects aterminal to the Internet on a train, the service is started in responseto authentication using an ID and a password and is stopped in responseto expiration of the password, and the user is billed based on a lineusage record (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

A technical method has been proposed in which, when a wireless LANconnects to the Internet via a mobile network and data is transmittedand received therebetween, a prepaid usage fee is collected from theuser (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

A technical method has been proposed in which, in a connection methodbetween a terminal owned by a vehicle passenger and a terminal mountedin a vehicle, an authentication server returns whether an authenticationrequest from the terminal is approved, a wireless router disconnectscommunication if the authentication is not completed within apredetermined time counted by a timer, and the timer is canceled if theauthentication is completed within the predetermined time (see, forexample, Patent Document 4).

A technical method has been proposed in which, a mobile apparatusoperated by a vehicle operator is controlled based on a predeterminedpolicy so that, for example, speed data is equal to or less than aminimum threshold (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

A technical method has been proposed in which, when content istransmitted from a content server to an in-vehicle apparatus, encrypteddata is transmitted from a mobile terminal to the in-vehicle apparatus,and the content is restored and reproduced (see, for example, PatentDocument 6).

A technical method has been proposed in which, a LAN access point isprovided in a car, and when an attribute of a terminal is the driver,simple information (notification of whether it is the driver) that doesnot interfere with driving is provided (see, for example, PatentDocument 7).

PATENT DOCUMENTS

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2020-195053-   Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2005-222261-   Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2006-115002-   Patent Document 4: WO 2020/241066-   Patent Document 5: Published Japanese Translation of PCT Application    No. 2012-526497-   Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2004-240655-   Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent No. 5592511

However, there is room for improvement in the convenience of a wirelesscommunication service provided for a mobile terminal that cooperateswith a vehicle.

SUMMARY

A wireless communication system of the disclosure includes a database, afirst communication processing element, and a second communicationprocessing element. In the wireless communication system, a wirelesscommunication state via a network of a mobile terminal that uses anin-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle as a base station is controlledby cooperation between the database, the first communication processingelement and the second communication processing element. The firstcommunication processing element recognizes mobile terminal informationregarding a state of the mobile terminal and then transmits the mobileterminal information to the second communication processing elementbased on communication with the mobile terminal. The secondcommunication processing element, on condition that the mobile terminalinformation indicating that the mobile terminal is activated has beenreceived from the first communication processing element, recognizesvehicle information regarding a state of the vehicle and then transmitsthe vehicle information to the first communication processing elementbased on communication with the in-vehicle device, and registers thevehicle information in the database. The first communication processingelement, on condition that the vehicle information indicating that thevehicle is switched from a non-operating state to an operating state hasbeen received from the second communication processing element,determines whether the same vehicle information has been registered inthe database, and, on condition that a result of the determination isaffirmative, transmits a communication permission notification to thesecond communication processing element. The second communicationprocessing element, on condition that the communication permissionnotification has been received from the first communication processingelement, causes the in-vehicle device to function as the base stationbased on communication with the in-vehicle device. The firstcommunication processing element causes a mobile output interface of themobile terminal to output while switching between each of multiplescreens based on communication with the mobile terminal, and, inresponse to a designation operation through a mobile input interface ofthe mobile terminal during transition of the screen, realizes a stateenabling the mobile terminal to enjoy a communication service from acommunication service server via the base station and the network basedon communication with the communication service server. The firstcommunication processing element recognizes a usage history of thecommunication service for the mobile terminal based on communicationwith the communication service server, specifies a communication serviceplan corresponding to the usage history of the communication service,and causes the mobile output interface to output a wirelesscommunication application screen including the communication serviceplan based on communication with the mobile terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing of a configuration of a wirelesscommunication system as one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory drawing relating to output screen transition.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to wireless communication startingprocessing and wireless communication stopping processing.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart relating to monitoring processing of a remainingcommunication capacity.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart relating to in-vehicle Wi-Fi use startingprocessing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure provides a system capable of improving convenience when auser is given a wireless communication service through a mobile terminalthat cooperates with a vehicle.

A wireless communication system of the disclosure includes a database, afirst communication processing element, and a second communicationprocessing element. In the wireless communication system, a wirelesscommunication state via a network of a mobile terminal that uses anin-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle as a base station is controlledby cooperation between the database, the first communication processingelement and the second communication processing element. The firstcommunication processing element recognizes mobile terminal informationregarding a state of the mobile terminal and then transmits the mobileterminal information to the second communication processing elementbased on communication with the mobile terminal. The secondcommunication processing element, on condition that the mobile terminalinformation indicating that the mobile terminal is activated has beenreceived from the first communication processing element, recognizesvehicle information regarding a state of the vehicle and then transmitsthe vehicle information to the first communication processing elementbased on communication with the in-vehicle device, and registers thevehicle information in the database. The first communication processingelement, on condition that the vehicle information indicating that thevehicle is switched from a non-operating state to an operating state hasbeen received from the second communication processing element,determines whether the same vehicle information has been registered inthe database, and, on condition that a result of the determination isaffirmative, transmits a communication permission notification to thesecond communication processing element. The second communicationprocessing element, on condition that the communication permissionnotification has been received from the first communication processingelement, causes the in-vehicle device to function as the base stationbased on communication with the in-vehicle device. The firstcommunication processing element causes a mobile output interface of themobile terminal to output while switching between each of multiplescreens based on communication with the mobile terminal, and, inresponse to a designation operation through a mobile input interface ofthe mobile terminal during transition of the screen, realizes a stateenabling the mobile terminal to enjoy a communication service from acommunication service server via the base station and the network basedon communication with the communication service server. The firstcommunication processing element recognizes a usage history of thecommunication service for the mobile terminal based on communicationwith the communication service server, specifies a communication serviceplan corresponding to the usage history of the communication service,and causes the mobile output interface to output a wirelesscommunication application screen including the communication serviceplan based on communication with the mobile terminal.

According to the wireless communication system having the aboveconfiguration, in response to the vehicle being switched from thenon-operating state to the operating state in the state in which themobile terminal has been activated, the mobile terminal is able to startwireless communication via the network using the in-vehicle device asthe base station. Through the wireless communication application screenoutput in the mobile terminal, one or more suitable communicationservice plans can be proposed to a user in view of the user's usagehistory of the communication service. Accordingly, since the user isable to select the most suitable communication service plan, theconvenience of the wireless communication service can be improved.

In the wireless communication system having the above configuration,preferably, the first communication processing element recognizes aremaining communication capacity of the communication service based oncommunication with the communication service server, and causes themobile output interface to output a first designation screen includingthe remaining communication capacity based on communication with themobile terminal.

According to the wireless communication system having the aboveconfiguration, the user is able to grasp the remaining communicationcapacity through a wireless communication top screen output in themobile terminal. Accordingly, the convenience of the wirelesscommunication service can be improved.

In the wireless communication system having the above configuration,preferably, the first communication processing element transmits themobile terminal information indicating that the mobile terminal isactivated to the second communication processing element, and, oncondition that the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle isswitched from the non-operating state to the operating state has beenreceived from the second communication processing element, periodicallyrecognizes the remaining communication capacity of the communicationservice based on communication with the communication service server,and causes the mobile output interface to output the first designationscreen including the remaining communication capacity based oncommunication with the mobile terminal.

According to the wireless communication system having the aboveconfiguration, since the remaining communication capacity displayed onthe first designation screen output in the mobile terminal isperiodically updated, the user is able to grasp time-series change modesof the remaining communication capacity. Accordingly, the convenience ofthe wireless communication service can be improved.

In the wireless communication system having the above configuration,preferably, the first communication processing element causes a seconddesignation screen being at least one of the multiple screens output inthe mobile output interface to display a button operable through themobile input interface.

According to the wireless communication system having the aboveconfiguration, the user is able to perform various operations (such asscreen transition, selection, setting, determination, and application)through the button displayed on the second designation screen output inthe mobile terminal. Accordingly, the convenience of the wirelesscommunication service can be improved.

(Configuration)

A wireless communication system as one embodiment of the disclosureshown in FIG. 1 is composed of a wireless communication server 1 that isable to communicate with each of a communication service server 14, amobile terminal 21 and an in-vehicle device 22 via a network. Thecommunication service server 14 may be a component of the wirelesscommunication server 1.

The wireless communication server 1 includes a database 10, a firstcommunication processing element 11, and a second communicationprocessing element 12. The database 10 may be composed of a databaseserver that is able to communicate with the wireless communicationserver 1 via a network. Each of the first communication processingelement 11 and the second communication processing element 12 iscomposed of an arithmetic processing apparatus (composed of hardwaresuch as a CPU, a single-core processor and/or a multi-core processor)that reads necessary data and a necessary program (software) from astorage (composed of a memory such as ROM, RAM and EEPROM, and hardwaresuch as SSD and HDD) and then executes arithmetic processing inaccordance with the program on the data.

The mobile terminal 21 is composed of a terminal apparatus, such as asmartphone, a tablet terminal apparatus and/or a laptop, having awireless communication function and being of a size and weight to enableit to be carried by a user into a cabin of a vehicle 2. The mobileterminal 21 includes a mobile input interface 211, a mobile outputinterface 212, and a mobile control apparatus 214. The mobile inputinterface 211 may be composed of, for example, a touch panel typebutton, or a voice recognition apparatus having a microphone. The mobileoutput interface 212 may be composed of, for example, a displayapparatus constituting a touch panel, or a voice output apparatus. Themobile control apparatus 214 is composed of an arithmetic processingapparatus (composed of hardware such as a CPU, a single-core processorand/or a multi-core processor) that reads necessary data and a necessaryprogram (software) from a storage (composed of a memory such as ROM, RAMand EEPROM, and hardware such as SSD and HDD) and then executesarithmetic processing in accordance with the program on the data.

The in-vehicle device 22 is composed of a terminal apparatus mounted inthe vehicle 2 and having a wireless communication function. Thein-vehicle device 22 includes a vehicle input interface 221, a vehicleoutput interface 222 and a vehicle control apparatus 224. The vehicleinput interface 221 may be composed of, for example, a touch panel typebutton, or a voice recognition apparatus having a microphone. Thevehicle output interface 222 may be composed of, for example, a displayapparatus constituting a touch panel, or a voice output apparatus. Thevehicle control apparatus 224 is composed of an arithmetic processingapparatus (composed of hardware such as a CPU, a single-core processorand/or a multi-core processor) that reads necessary data and a necessaryprogram (software) from a storage (composed of a memory such as ROM, RAMand EEPROM, and hardware such as SSD and HDD) and then executesarithmetic processing in accordance with the program on the data. Thein-vehicle device 22, for example, is put in an ON state by beingintermittently supplied with electric power even if the vehicle 2 is ina non-operating state (IGN OFF state), and exhibits its function in theON state.

The mobile terminal 21 and the in-vehicle device 22 may be able tocommunicate with each other by a wired communication method or ashort-range wireless method such as Bluetooth (“Bluetooth” is aregistered trademark).

(Functions)

To facilitate understanding of the functions of the wirelesscommunication system having the above configuration, screen transitionin the mobile output interface 212 (or a display apparatus or touchpanel constituting the mobile output interface 212) of the mobileterminal 21 is described with reference to FIG. 2.

In a state in which the mobile terminal 21 has been activated orawakened from sleep, as shown in FIG. 2, a standard designation screenS0 including multiple icons (buttons) Q01 for activating and/orcontinuing functionality of multiple applications (software) is outputby the mobile output interface 212.

While the standard designation screen S0 is output by the mobile outputinterface 212, if a remaining communication capacity Σ becomes equal toor less than a first threshold Σ1, as shown in FIG. 2, a button Q02 isdisplayed on the standard designation screen S0 (see arrow T02 in FIG.2). In the button Q02, for example, a text is displayed indicatinginsufficiency of available remaining communication capacity and arecommendation to increase the available communication capacity bypurchasing a new plan.

By tapping one of the icons Q01 corresponding to an in-vehicle Wi-Fiapplication (“Wi-Fi” is a registered trademark) on the standarddesignation screen S0, an output screen in the mobile output interface212 transitions from the standard designation screen S0 to a first orderdesignation screen S1 (arrow T01 in FIG. 2). For example, as shown inFIG. 2, multiple operation buttons Q11 are displayed on the first orderdesignation screen S1.

While the first order designation screen S1 is output by the mobileoutput interface 212, if the remaining communication capacity Σ becomesequal to or less than the first threshold Σ1, as shown in FIG. 2, a textbox Q12 is displayed on the first order designation screen S1 (see arrowT12 in FIG. 2). In the text box Q12, for example, a text is displayedindicating insufficiency of available remaining communication capacityand a recommendation to increase the available communication capacity bypurchasing a new plan. After the text box Q12 is displayed on the firstorder designation screen S1 for a predetermined period, the text box Q12disappears and the original first order designation screen S1 is outputby the mobile output interface 212 (see arrow T14 in FIG. 2).

By tapping one of the operation buttons Q11 for using an in-vehicleWi-Fi service on the first order designation screen S1, the outputscreen in the mobile output interface 212 transitions from the firstorder designation screen S1 to a second order designation screen S2(arrow T11 in FIG. 2). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, on the secondorder designation screen S2, a text box Q20, a remaining communicationcapacity display image Q21, an ON/OFF button Q22 for switching betweenstarting and stopping the use of in-vehicle Wi-Fi, a purchase button Q23for purchasing the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service, and an ID/password buttonQ24 for setting an ID and a password are displayed. In the text box Q20,a text is displayed indicating the content of a Wi-Fi communication planin use.

In addition, if the button Q02 is displayed on the standard designationscreen S0, by tapping the button Q02, the output screen in the mobileoutput interface 212 directly transitions from the standard designationscreen S0 to the second order designation screen S2, and the output ofthe first order designation screen S1 is omitted (see dashed arrow T04in FIG. 2). By tapping the text box Q12 as a button, the output screenin the mobile output interface 212 may transition from the first orderdesignation screen S1 to the second order designation screen S2.

By sliding or swiping the ON/OFF button Q22 from an OFF position to anON position on the second order designation screen S2, in-vehicle Wi-Ficommunication of the mobile terminal 21 using the in-vehicle device 22as a base station is started or resumed.

By tapping the ID/password button Q24 on the second order designationscreen S2, the output screen in the mobile output interface 212transitions from the second order designation screen S2 to a fifth orderdesignation screen S5 (arrow T22 in FIG. 2). For example, as shown inFIG. 2, an ID input field Q51, a password input field Q52, and a keypadQ54 are displayed on the fifth order designation screen S5. By tappingthe keypad Q54 or the like, an ID is input to the ID input field Q51 anda password is input to the password input field Q52. After that, theoutput screen in the mobile output interface 212 transitions from thefifth order designation screen S5 to the second order designation screenS2 (arrow T24 in FIG. 2).

By tapping the purchase button Q23 on the second order designationscreen S2, the output screen in the mobile output interface 212transitions from the second order designation screen S2 to a third orderdesignation screen S3 (arrow T21 in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, a menubutton Q31 and an application button Q32 are displayed on the thirdorder designation screen S3. By tapping the menu button Q31, a list ofselectable plans is displayed as a pull-down menu. Further, by tappingone of the plans, the one of the plans is displayed in the menu buttonQ31.

Each plan is defined by, for example, a communication capacity availableper unit period (for example, one month) and/or available period andavailable total communication capacity of the plan, and a usage feecorresponding to the amount of the communication capacity and/or thelength of the available period.

The first communication processing element 11 may recognize a usagehistory of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication service for the mobileterminal 21 based on communication with the communication service server14, specify a communication service plan corresponding to the usagehistory of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication service, and cause themobile output interface 212 to output the third order designation screenS3 (wireless communication application screen) including thecommunication service plan based on communication with the mobileterminal 21. For example, multiple recommended plans in view of theusage history of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service through the mobileterminal 21 may be displayed in the pull-down menu, or one or morerecommended plans may be displayed as a default plan in the menu buttonQ31.

Through the third order designation screen S3 (wireless communicationapplication screen) output in the mobile terminal 21, one or moresuitable communication service plans can be proposed to a user in viewof the user's usage history of the communication service. Accordingly,since the user is able to select the most suitable communication serviceplan, the convenience of the wireless communication service can beimproved.

By tapping the application button Q32 on the third order designationscreen S3, an application procedure for one plan displayed in the menubutton Q31 at that time is executed. Then, the output screen in themobile output interface 212 transitions from the third order designationscreen S3 to a fourth order designation screen S4 (arrow T32 in FIG. 2).For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the fourth order designation screen S4includes an application completion window Q41 of the in-vehicle Wi-Fiservice and a return button Q42. In the application completion windowQ41, a text is displayed indicating that the application procedure forthe one plan is completed. When the return button Q42 is tapped on thefourth order designation screen S4, the output screen in the mobileoutput interface 212 transitions from the fourth order designationscreen S4 to the third order designation screen S3 (arrow T34 in FIG.2). A similar return button is also included on other screens.

The first communication processing element 11 causes the designationscreens S0 to S4 (corresponding to “second designation screen” or“designation screen”) output in the mobile output interface 212 todisplay a button operable through the mobile input interface 211. Hence,the user is able to perform various operations (such as screentransition, selection, setting, determination, and application) throughthe button displayed on the second designation screen output in themobile terminal 21. Accordingly, the convenience of the wirelesscommunication service can be improved.

(First Function (in-Vehicle Wi-Fi ON Function))

An in-vehicle Wi-Fi ON function as a first function of the wirelesscommunication system having the above configuration is described withreference to FIG. 3.

In response to that the mobile terminal 21 is brought inside or near theoutside of the vehicle 2 by the user and is activated or awakened fromsleep, mobile terminal information is transmitted from the mobileterminal 21 to the first communication processing element 11, and isreceived by the first communication processing element 11 (arrow X112 inFIG. 3). The “mobile terminal information” includes a mobile terminalidentifier for identifying the mobile terminal 21 and/or a useridentifier for identifying the user. In response thereto, the standarddesignation screen S0 as shown in FIG. 2 is output by the mobile outputinterface 212.

Subsequently, the mobile terminal information is transmitted to thesecond communication processing element 12 by the first communicationprocessing element 11, and is received by the second communicationprocessing element 12 (arrow X122 in FIG. 3). Further, a vehicleinformation request is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 22 by thesecond communication processing element 12, and is received by thein-vehicle device 22 (arrow X222 in FIG. 3).

Vehicle information is acquired and transmitted to the secondcommunication processing element 12 by the in-vehicle device 22, and isreceived by the second communication processing element 12 (arrow X124in FIG. 3). The “vehicle information” includes, in addition to a vehicleidentifier for identifying the vehicle 2 and/or an in-vehicle deviceidentifier for identifying the in-vehicle device 22, informationindicating a state of the vehicle 2, such as an operating state (IGN ONstate) in which the vehicle 2 is able to travel and a non-operatingstate (IGN OFF state) in which the vehicle 2 is unable to travel. Thevehicle information is transmitted to the database 10 by the secondcommunication processing element 12, and the vehicle information isregistered in the database 10 (arrow X102 in FIG. 3). At this time, themobile terminal information and the vehicle information are stored inassociation with each other in the database 10.

If the vehicle information includes information indicating that thevehicle 2 has transitioned from the IGN OFF state to the IGN ON state asa result of the user switching an IGN switch (an energization switch inthe case of an electric car) of the vehicle 2 from OFF to ON, thevehicle information is transmitted to the first communication processingelement 11 by the second communication processing element 12, and isreceived by the first communication processing element 11 (arrow X114 inFIG. 3). An application activation notification is transmitted to themobile terminal 21 by the first communication processing element 11, andis received by the mobile terminal 21 (arrow X212 in FIG. 3). Inresponse thereto, an application for the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service isactivated in the mobile terminal 21, and the first order designationscreen S1 (application top screen) as shown in FIG. 2 is output by themobile output interface 212.

In response to an activation instruction operation (for example, a firstdesignation operation) on the mobile terminal 21, the firstcommunication processing element 11 may activate the in-vehicle device22 or a Wi-Fi application for an in-vehicle device based oncommunication with the second communication processing element 12. Inresponse to that the activation instruction operation is performed onthe mobile terminal 21 and the vehicle 2 is switched from the IGN OFFstate to the IGN ON state in the state in which the mobile terminal 21has been activated, the mobile terminal 21 is able to start usingwireless communication via a network using the in-vehicle device 22 asthe base station. Accordingly, the convenience of the wirelesscommunication service can be improved.

In response to that the first designation operation is performed throughthe mobile input interface 211, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi ON request (wirelesscommunication ON request) is transmitted from the mobile terminal 21 tothe first communication processing element 11, and is received by thefirst communication processing element 11 (arrow X116 in FIG. 3). Forexample, a tapping operation on one operation button Q11 on the firstorder designation screen S1 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the firstdesignation operation. The in-vehicle Wi-Fi ON request includes themobile terminal identifier for identifying the mobile terminal 21 and/orthe user identifier for identifying the user.

By the first communication processing element 11, the mobile terminalidentifier and/or the user identifier included in the in-vehicle Wi-FiON request and the vehicle identifier and/or the in-vehicle deviceidentifier included in the vehicle information are transmitted to thedatabase 10 for inquiry (arrow X104 in FIG. 3). Presence or absence ofregistration of the mobile terminal information matching the identifierand the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle 2 is in the IGNON state is transmitted as an inquiry result to the first communicationprocessing element 11 by the database 10, and the inquiry result isreceived by the first communication processing element 11 (arrow X117 inFIG. 3).

If the inquiry result is that the mobile terminal information and thevehicle information indicating that the vehicle 2 is in the IGN ON statehave been registered in the database 10, a Wi-Fi ON notification(communication permission notification) is transmitted to the secondcommunication processing element 12 by the first communicationprocessing element 11, and is received by the second communicationprocessing element 12 (arrow X126 in FIG. 3). In response thereto, theWi-Fi ON notification is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 22 by thesecond communication processing element 12, and is received by thein-vehicle device 22 (arrow X224 in FIG. 3). Accordingly, the in-vehicledevice 22 is in a state able to function as a base station of thein-vehicle Wi-Fi (in-vehicle wireless communication service) for themobile terminal 21.

In-vehicle device information is transmitted to the second communicationprocessing element 12 by the in-vehicle device 22, and is received bythe second communication processing element 12 (arrow X128 in FIG. 3).The in-vehicle device information includes, in addition to the vehicleidentifier and/or the in-vehicle device identifier, informationindicating that the in-vehicle device 22 is in the state able tofunction as a Wi-Fi base station.

The in-vehicle device information is transmitted to the database 10 bythe second communication processing element 12, and is registered in thedatabase 10 (arrow X106 in FIG. 3). At this time, the in-vehicle deviceinformation is stored in association with the mobile terminalinformation and the vehicle information in the database 10.

The in-vehicle device information and/or information correspondingthereto is transmitted to the first communication processing element 11by the second communication processing element 12, and is received bythe first communication processing element 11 (arrow X118 in FIG. 3). Inresponse thereto, the aforementioned information is transmitted to themobile terminal 21 by the first communication processing element 11, andis received by the mobile terminal 21 (arrow X214 in FIG. 3). Further,for example, the second order designation screen S2 (Wi-Fi top screen)as shown in FIG. 2 is output by the mobile output interface 212.

In response to that a second designation operation (in-vehicle Wi-Fi usestarting operation) is performed on the mobile terminal 21 through themobile input interface 211, a Wi-Fi communication service using thein-vehicle device 22 as the base station is provided for the mobileterminal 21 (two way arrow W1 in FIG. 3). For example, a swipingoperation on the ON/OFF button Q22 from the OFF position to the ONposition on the second order designation screen S2 shown in FIG. 2corresponds to the second designation operation.

(Second Function (in-Vehicle Wi-Fi OFF Function))

An in-vehicle Wi-Fi OFF function as a second function of the wirelesscommunication system having the above configuration is described withreference to FIG. 3.

The vehicle information request is transmitted to the in-vehicle device22 by the second communication processing element 12, and is received bythe in-vehicle device 22 (arrow Y222 in FIG. 3).

The vehicle information is acquired and transmitted to the secondcommunication processing element 12 by the in-vehicle device 22, and isreceived by the second communication processing element 12 (arrow Y124in FIG. 3). The vehicle information is registered in the database 10(arrow Y102 in FIG. 3). At this time, the mobile terminal informationand the vehicle information are stored in association with each other inthe database 10.

If the vehicle information includes information indicating that thevehicle 2 has transitioned from the IGN ON state to the IGN OFF state,the vehicle information is transmitted to the first communicationprocessing element 11 by the second communication processing element 12,and is received by the first communication processing element 11 (arrowY114 in FIG. 3). The vehicle information and/or informationcorresponding thereto is transmitted to the mobile terminal 21 by thefirst communication processing element 11, and is received by the mobileterminal 21 (arrow X212 in FIG. 3). In response thereto, a screenincluding an advance notice that the Wi-Fi service is to be stopped maybe output by the mobile output interface 212. For example, in the casewhere the second order designation screen S2 shown in FIG. 2 is outputby the mobile output interface 212, automatic swiping of the ON/OFFbutton Q22 from the ON position to the OFF position may correspond tothe advance notice.

By the first communication processing element 11, the vehicle identifierand/or the in-vehicle device identifier included in the vehicleinformation is transmitted to the database 10 for inquiry (arrow Y104 inFIG. 3). Presence or absence of registration of the vehicle informationindicating that the vehicle 2 matching the identifier is in the IGN OFFstate is transmitted as an inquiry result to the first communicationprocessing element 11 by the database 10, and the inquiry result isreceived by the first communication processing element 11 (arrow Y117 inFIG. 3).

If the inquiry result is that the vehicle information indicating thatthe vehicle 2 is in the IGN OFF state has been registered in thedatabase 10, a Wi-Fi OFF notification (communication stop notification)is transmitted to the second communication processing element 12 by thefirst communication processing element 11, and is received by the secondcommunication processing element 12 (arrow Y126 in FIG. 3). In responsethereto, the Wi-Fi OFF notification is transmitted to the in-vehicledevice 22 by the second communication processing element 12, and isreceived by the in-vehicle device 22 (arrow Y224 in FIG. 3).Accordingly, the in-vehicle device 22 is in a state in which itsfunction as the base station of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi (in-vehiclewireless communication service) for the mobile terminal 21 is stopped.

The in-vehicle device information is transmitted to the secondcommunication processing element 12 by the in-vehicle device 22, and isreceived by the second communication processing element 12 (arrow Y128in FIG. 3).

The in-vehicle device information is transmitted to the database 10 bythe second communication processing element 12, and is registered in thedatabase 10 (arrow Y106 in FIG. 3). At this time, the in-vehicle deviceinformation is stored in association with the mobile terminalinformation and the vehicle information in the database 10.

The in-vehicle device information and/or information correspondingthereto is transmitted to the first communication processing element 11by the second communication processing element 12, and is received bythe first communication processing element 11 (arrow Y118 in FIG. 3). Inresponse thereto, the aforementioned information is transmitted to themobile terminal 21 by the first communication processing element 11, andis received by the mobile terminal 21 (arrow Y214 in FIG. 3). Then, inresponse thereto, for example, the first order designation screen S1 asshown in FIG. 2 is output by the mobile output interface 212, and anotification that the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service is stopped is displayedon the first order designation screen S1. Further, the Wi-Ficommunication service for the mobile terminal 21 using the in-vehicledevice 22 as the base station is stopped (two way arrow W2 in FIG. 3).

(Third Function (Remaining Communication Capacity Display Function))

A remaining communication capacity display function as a third functionof the wireless communication system having the above configuration isdescribed with reference to FIG. 4.

It is recognized by the second communication processing element 12 basedon communication with the in-vehicle device 22 that the in-vehicle Wi-Fiis in the ON state (STEP110 in FIG. 4 (see arrows X126, X118 and two wayarrow W1 in FIG. 3)).

A value of a flag f indicating the length of a designated period Tth isreset to “0” (STEP111 in FIG. 4). A counted time t counted by a timer isreset to “0” (STEP112 in FIG. 4). The counted time t is increased by“At” corresponding to an arithmetic processing period (STEP114 in FIG.4). It is determined whether the counted time t is equal to or more thanthe designated period Tth (for example, “10 minutes”) (STEP116 in FIG.4). If a result of the determination is negative (NO in STEP116 in FIG.4), the counted time t is further increased by Δt (STEP114 in FIG. 4).

If a result of the determination is affirmative (YES in STEP116 in FIG.4), by the first communication processing element 11, the remainingcommunication capacity Σ of the communication service in the mobileterminal 21 with respect to the communication service server 14 isconfirmed, and a result of the confirmation is transmitted to the mobileterminal 21, thereby causing the mobile output interface 212 to displaythe remaining communication capacity Σ (STEP118 in FIG. 4). Accordingly,for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second order designation screen S2,which includes the remaining communication capacity display image Q21 inwhich the remaining communication capacity Σ is written and the amountof the remaining communication capacity Σ is expressed by the length ofan arc-shaped icon, is output by the mobile output interface 212.

Subsequently, it is determined by the second communication processingelement 12 whether the value of the flag f is 0 (STEP120 in FIG. 4). Aswill be described later, in a state in which the value of the flag f isnot set to “1”, since a result of the determination will be affirmative(YES in STEP120 in FIG. 4), it is determined by the second communicationprocessing element 12 whether the remaining communication capacity Σ isequal to or less than a first threshold Σ1 and a change rate (dΣ/dt)thereof is equal to or less than a reference rate Vth (<0) (STEP121 inFIG. 4). The determination processing regarding the change rate (dΣ/dt)of the remaining communication capacity Σ may be omitted. The referencerate Vth is set to a value so that the remaining communication capacityΣ may then become 0 (Σ-Vth×Tth becomes 0 or less) if decreasing at thereference rate Vth until the designated period Tth elapses.

If a result of the determination is negative (NO in STEP121 in FIG. 4),that is, if the probability of the remaining communication capacity Σbecoming 0 in a relatively short period (for example, a period of Tth to3Tth) is low, the counted time t counted by the timer is reset to 0(STEP112 in FIG. 4), and the subsequent processing is repeated.

On the other hand, if a result of the determination is affirmative (YESin STEP121 in FIG. 4), that is, if the probability of the remainingcommunication capacity Σ becoming 0 in a relatively short period ishigh, the value of the flag f is set to “1” by the second communicationprocessing element 12 (STEP122 in FIG. 4), and the designated period Tthis set shorter by ΔT (for example, ΔT=5 minutes, 7 minutes or 9 minutes)(STEP124 in FIG. 4). Then, the counted time t counted by the timer isreset to 0 (STEP112 in FIG. 4), and the subsequent processing isrepeated.

If it is determined that the remaining communication capacity Σ islikely to become 0 in a short period in the state in which the standarddesignation screen S0 is output by the mobile output interface 212, thebutton Q02 including a notification that the remaining communicationcapacity is insufficient may be displayed on the standard designationscreen S0 (see arrow T02 in FIG. 2). If it is determined that theremaining communication capacity Σ is likely to become 0 in a shortperiod in the state in which the first order designation screen S1 isoutput by the mobile output interface 212, the text box Q12 including anotification that the remaining communication capacity is insufficientmay be displayed on the first order designation screen S1 (see arrow T12in FIG. 2).

In a state in which the value of the flag f is set to “1”, since aresult of the determination of whether the value of the flag f is 0 willbe negative (NO in STEP120 in FIG. 4), it is determined by the secondcommunication processing element 12 whether the remaining communicationcapacity Σ is equal to or less than a second threshold Σ2 (smaller thanthe first threshold Σ1) (STEP126 in FIG. 4).

If a result of the determination is negative (NO in STEP126 in FIG. 4),the counted time t counted by the timer is reset to 0 (STEP112 in FIG.4), and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, if aresult of the determination is affirmative (YES in STEP126 in FIG. 4),the in-vehicle Wi-Fi is turned off, that is, the Wi-Fi communicationthrough the mobile terminal 21 using the in-vehicle device 22 as thebase station is stopped (STEP128 in FIG. 4).

According to the third function, the remaining communication capacity Σdisplayed on the second order designation screen S2 (corresponding to“first designation screen”) output in the mobile terminal 21 isperiodically updated. Hence, the user is able to grasp time-serieschange modes of the remaining communication capacity Σ.

The designated period Tth being a confirmation period of the remainingcommunication capacity Σ may be set to an appropriate length in view ofthe user's usage history of the communication service. For example, fora heavy user who consumes communication capacity in a short time, thedesignated period Tth may be set shorter than that of a standard user.Accordingly, the convenience of the wireless communication service canbe improved.

(Fourth Function (in-Vehicle Wi-Fi Use Starting Function))

An in-vehicle Wi-Fi use starting function as a fourth function of thewireless communication system having the above configuration isdescribed with reference to FIG. 5.

It is recognized by the second communication processing element 12 basedon communication with the in-vehicle device 22 that the in-vehicle Wi-Fiis in the ON state, that is, the Wi-Fi communication through the mobileterminal 21 using the in-vehicle device 22 as the base station ispermitted (STEP210 in FIG. 5).

It is determined by the first communication processing element 11whether a use of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi in the mobile terminal 21 is thefirst use (STEP212 in FIG. 5).

If it is determined that the use of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi in the mobileterminal 21 is the first use (YES in STEP212 in FIG. 5), by the firstcommunication processing element 11 based on communication with themobile terminal 21, a tutorial screen is output by the mobile outputinterface 212 (STEP214 in FIG. 5). The tutorial screen includesguidelines such as how to use the in-vehicle Wi-Fi. Moreover, it isdetermined by the first communication processing element 11 whether apurchase procedure for any one of multiple plans for using thein-vehicle Wi-Fi has been completed (STEP216 in FIG. 5).

For example, as described above, by tapping the application button Q32on the third order designation screen S3 shown in FIG. 2, theapplication procedure for one plan displayed in the menu button Q31 atthat time is executed. At this time, the application procedure for theone plan is executed based on the communication between the firstcommunication processing element 11 and/or the second communicationprocessing element 12 and the communication service server 14. The planfor which the application for starting use was made is registered inassociation with the mobile terminal identifier and/or the useridentifier in the database 10.

If it is determined that this is the second or greater time thein-vehicle Wi-Fi is used in the mobile terminal 21 (NO in STEP212 inFIG. 5), the output of the tutorial screen (STEP214 in FIG. 5) isomitted, and it is determined by the first communication processingelement 11 whether the purchase procedure for any one of the multipleplans for using the in-vehicle Wi-Fi has been completed (STEP216 in FIG.5).

If it is determined that the purchase procedure for the plan has beencompleted (YES in STEP216 in FIG. 5), by the first communicationprocessing element 11 based on communication with the mobile terminal21, a plan being used by the user is output by the mobile outputinterface 212 (STEP222 in FIG. 5). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, thetext box Q20 showing a text that indicates the content of the plan inuse is displayed on the second order designation screen S2.

If it is determined that the purchase procedure for the plan has notbeen completed (NO in STEP216 in FIG. 5), by the first communicationprocessing element 11 based on communication with the mobile terminal21, a list of plans available is output by the mobile output interface212 (STEP218 in FIG. 5). Accordingly, for example, as shown in FIG. 2,the third order designation screen S3 on which one or more recommendedplans are displayed as the default plan in the menu button Q31 is outputby the mobile output interface 212.

After that, if a plan is selected through the mobile input interface 211and a necessary fee payment procedure for using the plan is completed(STEP220 in FIG. 5), by the first communication processing element 11based on communication with the mobile terminal 21, the plan being usedby the user is output by the mobile output interface 212 (STEP222 inFIG. 5). The plan of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service in use is registeredin association with the mobile terminal identifier and/or the useridentifier in the database 10. Accordingly, for example, as shown inFIG. 2, the text box Q20 showing a text that indicates the content ofthe plan in use is displayed on the second order designation screen S2.

It is determined by the first communication processing element 11 basedon communication with the mobile terminal 21 whether an ID (useridentifier) and password setting request has been made through themobile input interface 211 (STEP224 in FIG. 5). If it is determined thatan ID and password setting request has been made (YES in STEP224 in FIG.5), based on communication with the mobile terminal 21, a screen forsetting and inputting an ID and password is output by the mobile outputinterface 212 (STEP226 in FIG. 5). Accordingly, for example, the fifthorder designation screen S5 as shown in FIG. 2 is output by the mobileoutput interface 212.

If it is determined that no ID and password setting request has beenmade (NO in STEP224 in FIG. 5), or alternatively, subsequent to theoutput of the screen for setting and inputting the ID and password(STEP226 in FIG. 5), it is determined by the first communicationprocessing element 11 based on communication with the mobile terminal 21whether a purchase history confirmation operation has been performedthrough the mobile input interface 211 (STEP228 in FIG. 5). If it isdetermined that a purchase history confirmation operation has beenperformed (YES in STEP228 in FIG. 5), based on communication with themobile terminal 21, a screen showing an application history of thein-vehicle Wi-Fi service plan is output (STEP230 in FIG. 5). Theapplication history of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service plan is registeredin association with the mobile terminal identifier and/or the useridentifier in the database 10.

If it is determined that no purchase history confirmation operation hasbeen performed (NO in STEP228 in FIG. 5), or alternatively, subsequentto the output of the screen showing the application history of thein-vehicle Wi-Fi service plan (STEP230 in FIG. 5), it is determined bythe first communication processing element 11 based on communicationwith the mobile terminal 21 whether a plan-in-use confirmation operationhas been performed through the mobile input interface 211 (STEP232 inFIG. 5). If a result of the determination is affirmative (YES in STEP232in FIG. 5), based on communication with the mobile terminal 21, a screenshowing a plan in use in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi service is output (STEP234in FIG. 5). Accordingly, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the text boxQ20 showing a text that indicates the content of the plan in use isdisplayed on the second order designation screen S2.

Next, it is determined by the first communication processing element 11based on communication with the mobile terminal 21 whether an in-vehicleWi-Fi use starting operation has been performed through the mobile inputinterface 211 (STEP236 in FIG. 5). For example, a swiping operation onthe ON/OFF button Q22 displayed on the second order designation screenS2 shown in FIG. 2 from the OFF position to the ON position correspondsto the in-vehicle Wi-Fi use starting operation.

If it is determined that an in-vehicle Wi-Fi use starting operation hasbeen performed (YES in STEP236 in FIG. 5), the use of the in-vehicleWi-Fi service through the mobile terminal 21 using the in-vehicle device22 as the base station is started (STEP238 in FIG. 5).

If it is determined that no in-vehicle Wi-Fi use starting operation hasbeen performed (NO in STEP236 in FIG. 5), a series of processing isended.

Effects

According to the wireless communication system 1 having the aboveconfiguration, in response to the vehicle 2 being switched from the IGNOFF state (non-operating state) to the IGN ON state (operating state) inthe state in which the mobile terminal 21 has been activated, the use ofwireless communication (Wi-Fi communication) by the mobile terminal 21via the network using the in-vehicle device 22 as the base station canbe started (see FIG. 3). In response to the vehicle 2 being switchedfrom the IGN ON state (operating state) to the IGN OFF state(non-operating state) in the state in which the mobile terminal 21 hasbeen activated, the use of wireless communication (Wi-Fi communication)by the mobile terminal 21 via the network using the in-vehicle device 22as the base station is stopped. Accordingly, the convenience of thewireless communication service can be improved. In addition, since aWi-Fi network is available in a certain area close to a vehicle, Wi-Fican be used in a place such as outdoors without depending on a Wi-Firouter or a power supply of the mobile terminal 21.

Other Embodiments of Disclosure

The second communication processing element 12 may confirm presence orabsence of an abnormality in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication of themobile terminal 21 based on communication with the communication serviceserver 14; if the presence of the abnormality is confirmed, the secondcommunication processing element 12 may confirm a provision status ofthe in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication service based on communication withthe communication service server 14. For example, the secondcommunication processing element 12 periodically sends a request forconfirming a provision status of the wireless communication service tothe communication service server 14, and if a confirmation result hasnot returned from the communication service server 14 to the secondcommunication processing element 12 for more than a predeterminedperiod, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in thein-vehicle Wi-Fi communication.

According to the wireless communication system having the aboveconfiguration, if an abnormality has occurred in the in-vehicle Wi-Ficommunication (wireless communication service) by the communicationservice server 14, that is, if a problem has occurred in the Wi-Ficommunication (in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication) by the mobile terminal 21using the in-vehicle device 22 as the base station, a situation isconfirmed based on communication with the communication service server14. Accordingly, since a cause of the abnormality can be investigatedand/or eliminated in the communication service server 14, theconvenience of the wireless communication service can be improved.

If it is confirmed that the abnormality in the in-vehicle Wi-Ficommunication by the mobile terminal 21 has been eliminated, the secondcommunication processing element 12 may coordinate the content of thecommunication service by the communication service server 14 for themobile terminal 21 included in the mobile terminal informationregistered in the database 10 with the content of the communicationservice managed by the communication service server 14. For example, inresponse to that the second communication processing element 12periodically sends the request for confirming the provision status ofthe wireless communication service to the communication service server14, if the confirmation result is periodically returned from thecommunication service server 14 to the second communication processingelement 12, it is determined that the abnormality in the in-vehicleWi-Fi communication has been eliminated.

According to the wireless communication system having the aboveconfiguration, if the abnormality in the Wi-Fi communication by themobile terminal 21 using the in-vehicle device 22 as the base station iseliminated, the content of the communication service registered in thedatabase 10 regarding the mobile terminal 21 and the content of thecommunication service by the communication service server 14 can becoordinated. Accordingly, the occurrence of inconsistency in the contentof the communication service before and after the occurrence of anabnormality in the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication by the mobile terminal21 is prevented, and thus, the convenience of the wireless communicationservice can be improved.

If it is confirmed that the abnormality in the Wi-Fi communication bythe mobile terminal 21 using the in-vehicle device 22 as the basestation is eliminated, the second communication processing element 12may update the mobile terminal information and the vehicle informationregistered in the database 10 by mutual communication between the firstcommunication processing element 11, the second communication processingelement 12, the in-vehicle device 22, and the communication serviceserver 14.

According to the wireless communication system having the aboveconfiguration, if the abnormality in the Wi-Fi communication by themobile terminal 21 using the in-vehicle device 22 as the base station iseliminated, the mobile terminal information and the vehicle informationregistered in the database 10 are updated or refreshed. Accordingly, theoccurrence of inconsistency between the latest registered content andthe actual content of the mobile terminal information and/or the vehicleinformation before and after the occurrence of an abnormality in thein-vehicle Wi-Fi communication by the mobile terminal 21 is prevented,and thus, the convenience of the wireless communication service can beimproved.

Each of the designation screens (or second designation screens) S0 to S5as shown in FIG. 2 may be output by the vehicle output interface 222 ofthe in-vehicle device 22 instead of the mobile terminal 21. In thiscase, by the buttons displayed on the designation screens S0 to S5, theuser is able to perform various operations (such as screen transition,selection, setting, determination, and application) through the vehicleinput interface 221. Accordingly, the convenience of the wirelesscommunication service can be improved.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless communication system, comprising: adatabase; a first communication processing element; and a secondcommunication processing element, wherein a wireless communication statevia a network of a mobile terminal that uses an in-vehicle devicemounted in a vehicle as a base station is controlled by cooperationbetween the database, the first communication processing element and thesecond communication processing element; the first communicationprocessing element recognizes mobile terminal information regarding astate of the mobile terminal and then transmits the mobile terminalinformation to the second communication processing element based oncommunication with the mobile terminal; the second communicationprocessing element, on condition that the mobile terminal informationindicating that the mobile terminal is activated has been received fromthe first communication processing element, recognizes vehicleinformation regarding a state of the vehicle and then transmits thevehicle information to the first communication processing element basedon communication with the in-vehicle device, and registers the vehicleinformation in the database; the first communication processing element,on condition that the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle isswitched from a non-operating state to an operating state has beenreceived from the second communication processing element, determineswhether the same vehicle information has been registered in thedatabase, and, on condition that a result of the determination isaffirmative, transmits a communication permission notification to thesecond communication processing element; the second communicationprocessing element, on condition that the communication permissionnotification has been received from the first communication processingelement, causes the in-vehicle device to function as the base stationbased on the communication with the in-vehicle device; the firstcommunication processing element causes a mobile output interface of themobile terminal to output while switching between each of a plurality ofscreens based on the communication with the mobile terminal, and, inresponse to a designation operation through a mobile input interface ofthe mobile terminal during transition of the screen, realizes a stateenabling the mobile terminal to enjoy a communication service from acommunication service server via the base station and the network basedon communication with the communication service server; the firstcommunication processing element recognizes a usage history of thecommunication service for the mobile terminal based on the communicationwith the communication service server, specifies a communication serviceplan corresponding to the usage history of the communication service,and causes the mobile output interface to output a wirelesscommunication application screen comprising the communication serviceplan based on the communication with the mobile terminal.
 2. Thewireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the firstcommunication processing element recognizes a remaining communicationcapacity of the communication service based on the communication withthe communication service server, and causes the mobile output interfaceto output a first designation screen comprising the remainingcommunication capacity based on the communication with the mobileterminal.
 3. The wireless communication system according to claim 2,wherein the first communication processing element transmits the mobileterminal information indicating that the mobile terminal is activated tothe second communication processing element, and, on condition that thevehicle information indicating that the vehicle is switched from thenon-operating state to the operating state has been received from thesecond communication processing element, periodically recognizes theremaining communication capacity of the communication service based onthe communication with the communication service server, and causes themobile output interface to output the first designation screencomprising the remaining communication capacity based on thecommunication with the mobile terminal.
 4. The wireless communicationsystem according to claim 1, wherein the first communication processingelement causes a second designation screen being at least one of theplurality of screens output in the mobile output interface to display abutton operable through the mobile input interface.